2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2022 Land Rover Defender

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its iconic design, with a boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare tire, and flat hood that paid homage to its predecessors. Despite these retro elements, the Defender boasted a modern design with rounded corners for improved aerodynamics and recessed LED headlights that added a distinct personality. The larger size of the modern Defender translated into more interior space and better ergonomics, offering generous headroom and legroom, and a comfortable driving position with good visibility. The interior design emphasized ruggedness with bare metal and exposed screws, complemented by a mix of leather and suede upholstery that seemed more practical for off-road adventures.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid embraced a bold and radical design, sharing its platform with the larger Kia Sorento. The new model was longer, taller, and wider than its predecessor, offering increased rear-seat legroom. The Sportage featured a striking front end with angular LED headlights and "boomerang" LED daytime running lights, setting it apart from other vehicles. The interior was centered around a large optional infotainment display, with a clean, minimalist look that contrasted with the faux ruggedness of some competitors. While the base models had cloth seats, higher trims offered SynTex artificial leather, which felt somewhat cheap despite its "animal-free" promotion.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The mid-level option was a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain rated at 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The highlight was the new V8 engine, delivering 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Defender 90 from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. All models featured a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The V8 model included an electronic active rear differential, Dynamic drive mode, and unique transmission and suspension tuning for sportier handling. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Defender was comfortable on pavement, with a suspension that absorbed bumps well and minimized noise from the 22-inch tires. It also boasted an 8,201-pound maximum towing capacity.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid utilized a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a single electric motor, producing a combined 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain was shared with the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, though the Sportage had a slight edge in horsepower. The base LX trim offered front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The Sportage Hybrid delivered smooth and predictable acceleration, with seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The well-tuned transmission provided smooth shifts and quick responses, contributing to a quiet cabin and comfortable ride. While not a driver's car, the Sportage Hybrid offered a pleasant driving experience, though its steering felt artificially heavy in Sport mode. The maximum towing capacity was 2,000 pounds, slightly less than the non-hybrid version.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered versatility with its 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, though accessing them in the two-door Defender 90 was challenging. The four-door Defender 110 provided more options, with two-row and three-row configurations. Cargo space varied, with three-row models offering 11.4 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 70.4 cubic feet with seats folded. Two-row versions had 18.1 cubic feet with seats up and 51.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior design emphasized functionality, with a large caged storage space and a spacious center-console storage bin. Optional roof racks and cargo boxes added to the Defender's practicality.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom and cargo space than the non-hybrid version. It provided more front-seat headroom than some rivals but less for second-row passengers. Rear-seat legroom was best-in-class, tied with the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. The dual-level cargo floor added flexibility, with 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up and 73.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior featured a rotary shift knob, large bin for phones with USB ports, and clever cupholders. The center console storage bin offered decent space.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on all but the base model, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen available. The interface was user-friendly, though the screen required a firm touch. Optional features included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, head-up display, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid's standard infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The EX model featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the SX-Prestige boasted a panoramic display combining the touchscreen with a digital instrument cluster. The panoramic display was visually impressive and user-friendly, though Android Auto didn't utilize the entire screen. Touch controls below the screen added a sleek design element, with analog knobs for audio and climate adjustments. Hybrid models offered multiple USB-C ports, wireless phone charging, and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender included standard driver-assist features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available, which is common for luxury vehicles.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid's base LX trim offered standard forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring and safe-exit warning, while the SX-Prestige trim included adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot view camera, 360-degree camera system, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. Competitors didn't match some of these advanced features, though basic adaptive cruise control was standard on rivals like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.